Shahana Goswami chats about her favourite authors, books and how she was introduced to foreign literature

Q1. You're a part of Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children that has been adapted from Salman Rushdie's book by the same name. Have you read the book?

Yes, in fact, when I was reading the book, I really wished to play Amina (my character in the film), who is one of the most important characters in the narrative. The interesting part is that she is shown to age from 19 to 45, so when I was offered that role, I was ecstatic.

Q2. What is it about Salman Rushdie's writing that appeals to you?

I love the fact that he uses very long, exclamatory sentences. I find him to be a true storyteller because he uses foreshadowing in his writing. When he writes, he gives a context to the character's future, which you will eventually arrive at through the narrative.

Q3. Have you read any of his other books?

Unfortunately, I have not read his earlier books but currently, I am reading his latest work, Joseph Anton: A Memoir, which is really fascinating.

Q4. Which, according to you, has been the best book adaptation into a movie?

There are very few instances where I have read the book and watched the movie too. According to me, Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory has been the best book adaptation into a film. I loved reading the book and when I saw the film, it really brought back the same images and thoughts.

Q5. Is there any novel that you'd like to see adapted into a film?

Haruki Murakami's latest book, 1Q84 which is a brilliant thriller with two parallel stories. If captured well, it would make for a surreal film.

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